Reward offered in hunt for missing man

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Southern police investigating a suspected homicide have posted a $20,000 reward with conditional immunity from prosecution.

Simon James Garrick, 42, was last seen on October 30 as he left the Caversham Food Market in South Rd, Dunedin.

His family reported him missing in May and police believe Garrick has either died or been killed.

Operation Garrick investigator Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw, of Alexandra, said police appreciated information received from the public so far but more information was needed to advance the inquiry.

A team of seven detectives is working on the case.

It is hoped posting the reward would prompt someone to come forward with information.

''We're no closer to finding Simon and we feel that the reward may provide an incentive and prick someone's conscience to come forward," Mr Shaw said.

"We're certain that someone in the community and possibly in the criminal fraternity, definitely knows where Simon is. Our message to them is to come forward and contact us.

"Naturally, for the sake of Simon's family we would be really pleased if he is found alive and the investigation team is continuing to keep an open mind. However as time goes on the likelihood of a positive outcome is diminishing.

"As you can appreciate this has been a terrible time for Simon's family in not knowing what's happened to their son, brother and uncle. For his family's sake, we'd really like his disappearance resolved.''

The reward offers immunity from prosecution with certain conditions if Garrick was the victim of foul play.

Offered at the discretion of the police commissioner, the reward will be paid for material information, or evidence, which establishes the location of Mr Garrick or leads to the conviction of anyone responsible for his death or disappearance.

Garrick is described as European, 185cm tall, of thin build, and was last seen wearing a white rugby jersey with a blue and yellow stripe.

After failing to appear in Alexandra District Court on October 24, last year, Garrick was last seen on October 30 in Dunedin.

He stayed in Wanaka from October 22 to 24 before going to Dunedin and there has been no bank account or cell phone activity.